Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Society
3873 Swan Lake Road V8X 3W1 Victoria, BC, Canada

In response to many calls from parents looking for science programming for their new homeschoolers, we have created an action-orientated Junior Stewardship Project Series for 8 to 12 year olds. Please call 250-479-0211 ext. 3 to register today!

The Sanctuary is pleased to participate in the Sketch Across Canada program launched by the Bateman Foundation. Stop by the Nature House to pick up your free sketch book and then head outside for inspiration. Post your creations to #mynaturesketch #swanlakenature

Swan Lake Site Staff discovered this amazing web design by a common Orb Weaver spider in the sanctuary. The web is attached to structures on both sides but a single rock anchors it down allowing for full use of the space for catching insects. Such an adaptable and brilliant arachnid!

Native Plant Workshops are back! Supported by the CRD, this is a FREE introductory workshop about gardening with drought resistant native plants. Call the Nature House 250-479-0211 to reserve your spot.

FREE introductory workshops about gardening with drought-resistant native plants! Workshops will be offered on-site at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary, 12:30 - 3:30pm on: Friday, October 16... Saturday, October 17 Friday, October 30 Saturday, October 31 Space is limited to eight participants per workshop. COVID-19 protocols in place and masks are encouraged. Pre-registration is required. Drop-ins cannot be accommodated. Call 250.479.0211 or stop by the nature house to reserve your spot. Supported by the CRD.

The Nature House will be closed on Monday in recognition of Labour Day. The trails will remain open for your enjoyment.

Wondering how you're going to teach your new homeschoolers science this fall? Check out our website for a wide range of nature videos and virtual events for all ages! https://www.swanlake.bc.ca/online-programs/

UPDATE: There has been another cougar sighting at Swan Lake on August 28th. Please use caution on the trails. Attention trail users: there has been an unconfirmed cougar sighting this morning on the lake trail near the Lochside Trail and Saanich Road. The Saanich Police have been notified. Please contact us with any questions, concerns or further sightings. Thank you!

Please note that the Nature House will only be open from 12:30 - 3:30 pm on Monday, August 24th due to reduced staffing levels. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. On Tuesday, Aug. 25 - Friday, Aug. 28th the hours will return to 9-3 pm.

Welcome to Virtual Raptor Day at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary! Recommended for all ages. Come up Christmas Hill from the comfort of your own home with two Program Naturalists to learn about owls, eagles, falcons and more! Thank you to our sponsors: Victoria Natural History Society and Telus... Huge thanks to the following folks who kindly provided photos, video footage and music: Roleen Sevillena, Rob Bowen, Mark K. Daly, Robert Nunnally, James O’Guinn, Robert Pruner, Derek Hammond, Alan Murphy and Jeff Bryant

Please be aware that the Nature House is closed tomorrow (Friday, August 7th) due to reduced staffing. We will reopen on Monday at 9 am. As always the trails remain open for your enjoyment.

Great news! We will be offering Biology Buddies and Homeschool Science in September! These classes will be entirely outside and will follow strict health and safety protocols. For more information, please see here: https://www.swanlake.bc.ca/ and follow the Programs link to "Children's Programs" or call 250-479-0211.

Please note that the Nature House is still closed on Saturdays and Sundays due to reduced staffing. THIS MONDAY we will also be closed in observation of BC Day. However, the sanctuary's trails remain open for you to safely enjoy.

Welcome to the Natural Wonders at Swan Lake Christmas Hill Nature Sanctuary Brought to you by the Greater Victoria Public Library https://www.gvpl.ca/ Recommended for ages 5-10. Take a virtual tour and learn about the wonderful animals that live at the Swan Lake Nature house. You will also go on a short virtual walk outside to see what other amazing wonders can be found in the sanctuary. Huge thanks to the following folks who kindly provided photos, video footage and music:... John Kehoe, Susan Mulvihill, Beekeepingfornewbies.com, Morning Mandolin by Chris Haugen and 5-O-July by Dan Lebowitz Please visit https://www.gvpl.ca/src/ to see other offerings of the BC Summer Reading Club. See more

The Education Team has been missing the crowds that usually gather to celebrate Swan Lake's popular special events. Instead, staff are having a blast making fun videos to bring nature to you in the comfort and safety of your own home! Check here https://www.swanlake.bc.ca/virtualevents/ often as we plan to post online events every month for you to enjoy.

Welcome to Virtual Mammal Day! Fun facts for the whole family. Huge thanks to our sponsors: Victoria Natural History Society and Telus! And the following folks who kindly provided photos and video footage: Erik Lund Todd Carnahan... Christina Carrieres Debbie Stika, Flickr Kevin Loader, Full Moon Images Rudi Mayr, Flickr Ramendan, Flickr We want to hear from you! Have you seen a mammal recently that you want to tell us about? Do you want to know more about something we talked about? Please leave your questions and comments here and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Thank you for your support!